Why December is the Secret Weapon for Your Job Search Success

While many job seekers consider slowing down their search during the holiday season, career experts reveal that December might actually be the perfect time to land your next opportunity. According to career coach Michelle Schafer, putting your job hunt on hold during this period could mean missing out on valuable connections and openings.

Leverage Your Network During the Holidays

Contrary to popular belief, the job market never truly closes, even during festive seasons. Schafer emphasizes that December offers unique networking advantages: "People tend to have more time on their hands during this season, making them more willing to engage in coffee chats and informational interviews."

Building face-to-face connections remains one of the most effective strategies for job seekers. "Leveraging your network, especially when applying for jobs online, is the single biggest thing that anybody could do to lead to an interview," Schafer advises.

Many professionals hesitate to discuss their job search at social gatherings, but Schafer encourages openness: "You just never know who you're talking to—that person could be a hiring manager at another organization."

For those unsure how to present themselves, Schafer suggests focusing on what energizes you professionally: "A great way you can answer questions about your search is to share that you're looking for something new and phrase it in terms of the kind of work that really fires you up."

Even when applying online, strategic networking can make a significant difference. Schafer recommends: "Check on LinkedIn, see who can introduce you, or at least put in a good word for you. That way, you come as a referral versus one of one thousand people applying for the same job."

Finding the Right Fit: Practical vs. Perfect

While no job is perfect, Schafer advises job seekers to look for work that aligns with their values and energizes them. However, she acknowledges that circumstances vary significantly: "There are some individuals right now who are looking for work who need to find something and need to find something fast."

For those with immediate financial obligations, taking a less-than-perfect job might be necessary. Schafer explains: "You may not really have the benefit of waiting. You might need to take that less perfect job right now."

Importantly, career transitions can be multi-stepped processes. Schafer encourages those who accept imperfect positions to continue their search: "You can accept a job and just continue your search and find something else down the road. That way, you meet your financial obligations while building skills and resume experience that will help you transition to something better later."